Cadillac introduced a completely new sedan here at the LA Auto Show. Check out the slideshow of the new XTS above and you’ll see that Cadillac is definitely on the right track as they continue the evolution of their approach to design. Cadillac executives promised that there would be no more “design by committee” at the luxury brand and they presented the XTS as a representation of a clear direction for the brand.

As you can see from the photos, the design is very impressive. It retains some of a hard lines and edges we’ve seen from Cadillac but the XTS represents a more refined expression of this approach.

Most importantly, the XTS will be the first model to feature Cadillac’s new CUE system that was created to provide a comprehensive in-vehicle experience. We previewed the CUE system last month and were very impressed as it presents a great leap forward for the in-car user experience. Here’s what we said then: “New innovations like tactile feedback on your finger when you touch the 8-inch center stack screen and proximity sensing that has control buttons pop up on the screen as you hand approaches make this system very user friendly, and the customization features make CUE a very powerful system that greatly enhances the driver experience.”

The new XTS also features a 3.6L direct injection engine and advanced all-wheel drive system and is rated at an estimated 300 horsepower. It comes with 19-inch wheels standard and optional 20-inch wheels along with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Cool safety innovations include a new “virtual bumper” system that will automatically stop the car at low speeds when an obstruction like a telephone pole is picked up by the sensors. Other features include warning systems for things like lane departure. The Safety Alert Seat feature vibrates either the left or right side of the driver’s seat cushion as a warning depending on the location of impending concerns.

The new XTS is a 2013 model that will go in sale in the spring of 2012 and will be positioned directly above the CTS family in Cadillac’s lineup. With its elegant design and the new CUE system, the XTS gives Cadillac another formidable entry in the luxury sedan market.